Demons counting on RB Jones, TE Morgan as offensive keys

NATCHITOCHES – Chris Jones is getting a second chance, and it’s a doozy.

Last year he was a senior running back at Northwestern State, sharing the bulk of the workload with fellow senior De’Mard Llorens and sophomore Ronald Green. Now Llorens, who finished as the Demons’ 10th all-time leading rusher, is getting a good look in the Los Angeles Rams training camp, and Jones is back in NSU’s preseason camp.

With the departures of Llorens and Green, the Demons return only two backs who carried the ball last season. Jones didn’t play the final seven games after a knee injury requiring surgery, but it resulted in a medical redshirt season, allowing him to return to head a slim group of four backs.

The only other veteran is sophomore Jared West, who got 11 carries last season but has been impressive in spring practice and through 13 preseason workouts, including Tuesday morning’s two-hour session in full gear. Freshmen Tyreik Campbell and Stadford Anderson are trying to impress running backs coach Will Weaver so they will fit into the playing rotation.

“We only have four guys we’re rolling with, which sounds like a concern,” said Weaver, “but they’re all capable of being an every-down guy. They all can run it between the tackles, and outside too. They have great speed. They can pick up the blitzes and they can catch the ball.”

Meanwhile, Weaver has senior Lucas Morgan, junior Charles Vaughn and junior college transfer Kalen Meggs atop a much deeper corps manning the tight end post. Sophomore Tyler O’Donaghue and redshirt freshman Ethan Smith are joined by true freshmen Parker Fink and Guy LeCompte.

“Lucas has raised his level of play since last year, and we thought he was really good in his first season with us,” said Weaver. “He’s worked on technique and is an even better blocker. He’s showing he has good hands, going up and attacking the ball, and he’ll be a really good threat.

“Charles Vaughn is a big weapon. Kalen Meggs will help as he learns our offense. Tyler O’Donahue and Ethan Smith have been here and are continuing to progress. Guy Lecompte was more a receiver in high school and is transitioning to the blocking phase of the position. Parker Fink is a big guy who can do a lot of things.”

Morgan (6-3, 253), who had only three receptions last year, has demonstrated in spring practice and preseason camp that he’s ready for more action as a receiver.

“I’ve been working on that since last spring. My improvement has a lot to do with the strength and conditioning program we’ve had this summer and also having good teammates who have helped me,” he said.

Jones (5-9, 193) didn’t go through spring practice, but with two years in the system already, the only question for him was regaining his skill set. He’s looked sharp in all phases, and recognizes the responsibility he and the running backs have in the aftermath of Llorens’ productive career.

“It’s a big challenge for us to continue to be the heartbeat of the team, to pound the rock in there and make it easier for the quarterbacks and receivers,” he said. “Jared got a good chance to get some quality playing time when De’Mard and I went out early last season. Now you can see he’s coming into his own and showing what he can do.

“Stadford is stepping up as a freshman, and is seeing what he needs to do to contribute. Tyreik can cut up. He’s a real nice player who can help us,” said Jones.

The Demons will practice in shorts and shoulder pads Wednesday and Thursday mornings, then shorts and helmets on Friday morning before the second major scrimmage this month wraps up preseason camp on Saturday morning.